‘민주공화제’론과 비자본주의를 지향한 ‘민족주의운동 좌파’(1919~45)

Abstract

Examined in this article are characteristics displayed by the Leftist branch (within the National Movement front), in its pursuit of a ‘Democratic Republic.’ The objective of such examination is to have a look at what kind of philosophical stance the Korean Provisional Government maintained at the time.BR At this juncture, the Korean notion of a Democratic Republic portrayed a particular dynamic, in which Democracy was coupled with the Republic, while a Republic would incorporate the virtue of Equality, with Equality itself reflected in the realization of Democracy. Formed in such vision, it did not pursue either Capitalism or Socialism, and what was firmly at the center was the Korean nation (race). One could call it a ‘Non-Capitalist’ pursuit, which also aspired to bring equalization to all areas of life, including politics, economy and education. In that sense, the Korean notion of a Democratic Republic could also be called a Nationalist approach to Equality, or in some sense even Socialist Nationalism.BR This Korean notion of a Democratic Republic later grew more detailed, as the trend of emphasizing the people’s role began to spread, and a sense of equality was strengthened as well. After the efforts to organize the ‘Unified [Single] Nation Party’ failed, however, clashes intensified between the Leftists and Rightists. The Nationalist Leftists’ vision of a Democratic Republic continued to take shape, and eventually differentiated itself from the Socialist vision of the same concept. The emergence of the Korean Liberation party (1930) in Shanghai can be cited as a result.BR There was also a power struggle inside the [National Movement front’s] Leftist branch, but it was not because they differed in opinions over their vision of a Democratic Republic. They all pursued democracy, republic and equality, with the Korean race as a linchpin. The situation of the time also facilitated that trend a little, as the World war of the time sort of had the Korean society go in either pro-Japan or anti-Japan directions. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Leftists were able to meet with the Socialist movement as well on various issues, such as direct and popular elections, as those issues could have contributed to political equality that was after all one of the objectives of a democratic republic.